Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Application File S. 18408, Zephaniah Frost, Mass.

SERVICE
NUMBER
Mass.
Frost, Zephaniah S. 18408 for Zephaniah
carded
CONTENTS

6933
Massachusetts
Stephenah Smart of Ducksbury in the State of Mass who was a private in the company, commanded by Captain Webster of the Regt commanded by Col Gerush in the Mass line for 9 months
Inscribed on the Roll of Massachusetts at the rate of 30 Dollars — Cents per annum, to commence on the 14th day of March, 1831.
Certificate of Pension issued the 9 th day of March 1833 and sent to Hon J Nelson H.R.
Arrears to 14th of March 1833 60.00 Pensionant. allowance ending 4 Sept 15.00
$85.00
{ Revolutionary Claim, { Act June 7, 1832.
Recorded by Daniel Boyd Clerk Book 2 Vol. 2 Page 57

L. Frost 11430
Johnnycake

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
County of Middlesex
ss.
On this tenth twelfth day of September 1832 personally appeared in open Court before the Court of Probate now sitting at Concord within and for the County of Middlesex in the Commonwealth aforesaid Zephaniah Frost of Sandwich in said County aged seven & seven years
Who being duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the act of Congress, passed June 7th 1832. That he entered the service of the United States, under the following named officers, and served as herein stated. That is to say
In April 1778 he was detached as one of the militia of Andover in the County of Essex, where he lived was appointed to Jacob Foster, to serve for three months in the war of the revolution; was mustered in the Company of Capt. Bedwell of Methuen & in the Regiment of Col. Gurnish was marched to Winter Hill in Charlestown, & was encamped on guarding the British Prisoners who were detained, served out the full term of his detachment, was dismissed, but on no discharge. In September or October 1778 he was again detached for three months as one of the militia of Andover, was mustered in the Company of Capt. Dexter, whose Christian name he has forgotten, & cannot recollect the Col. of the Regiment, was marched a few miles beyond Albany, & then ordered back to that City with an expectation of marching to the City of New York, but was encamped a part of the time at Albany & a part of the time a few miles below. At the expiration of the detachment he was dismissed, but on no discharge.
In October or November 1779 he was again detached for three months to serve in the war of the revolution, was mustered in the Company of Capt. John Davis of Methuen, marched to Boston and spent in building a fort on Roxbury neck, as it was expected the British would return. He had so little to do with the Regiment he cannot recollect the officers. He served out the full term of each of these detachments but has no documentary evidence.

He relinquishes every claim, whatever, to a pension or annuity, whatever except, the present, and declares that his name is not on the pension roll, of the agency of any State, Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid
We
Josiah Brown  Abd. Zephaniah Groot
a Clergyman residing in the town of
in the county of
hereby certify that we are well acquainted with
who has subscribed and sworn to the above, and that we believe him to be years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood, where he resides, to have been a soldier in the Revolution, and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn and subscribed the day and year aforesaid,
And the said Court do hereby declare their opinion, that after the investigation of the matter, and putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department, that the above named applicant was a Revolutionary Soldier, and served as he states. And the Court further certifies that it appears to them, that Leah Goggin who has signed the preceding Certificates is a Clergyman resident in the Town of Franklin
Josiah Brown a just and credible person , and that their statement is entitled to credit. Isaac Tinker Clerk of the Court of Robbins for the County of Middlesex  for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts
do hereby certify, that the foregoing contains, the original proceedings, of the said Court, in the matter of the application of Leah Goggin for a pension. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of office this twelfth day of September in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and thirty two
Isaac Tinker of the Court of Robbins for the County of Middlesex

Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Middlesex, to wit.
At the Court of Common Pleas  for said County began and holden at Concord within and for the County of Middlesex on the fourth day of September A. D. 1832 On the application of Lebanah Frost claiming to be a Soldier of the Revolution, the following interrogatories were propounded to him to wit:
1. Where, and in what year were you born?
Answer, I was born in Dunstable on the homestead of Mr. Middlesex & Commonwealth of Massachusetts on the first of May 1761
2. Have you any record of your age, and where is it?
Answer, I have a record in my book at home, made by my Grandfather
3. Where were you living, when called into service, where have you lived since the Revolutionary War, and where do you now live?
Answer, At Andover as an apprentice to Jacob Foster, & when I arrived at the age of 21 years I settled at said Dunstable & remained there thirty years, & then moved into New Hampshire for a few years, & again returned to Dunstable where I now live
4. When you were called into service, were you drafted, did you volunteer, or were you a substitute, and if a substitute for whom?
Answer, I was drafted for three terms of service for three months each term, or perhaps I may have been substituted for my Master Mr. Jacob Foster
5. State the names of some of the regular Officers, who were with the troops, where you served, such Continental, and Militia Regiments, as you can recollect, and the general circumstances of your service?
Answer, I was very young at the time, & served such short periods, that I do not recollect any other officers except such as I have named
6. State the names of persons to whom you are known in your present neighborhood, and who can testify as to your character for veracity, and their belief of your services as a Soldier of the Revolution?
Answer, The Rev. Mr. Coggin, Josiah Brown Esq. Mr. Brown
Esq.
Zephaniah Frost
Sworn to the  Joseph Frost

BRIEF in the case of  Stephen Frost  in the State of  Mass  of  Tuckerburg  (Act 7th June, 1832.)
 1. Was the declaration made before a Court or a Judge? Gen Court  2. If before a Judge, does it appear that the applicant is disabled by bodily infirmity?  3. How old is he? 71 years  4. State his service, as directed in the form annexed. 
   Period. Duration of Service. Rank. Names of General and Field Officers under whom he served.   Years, Months, Days.     April In 1778 3 Private Gen. Howe   Octob 1778 3 " Gen. Clinton   Nov 1779 3 " Gen. Clinton  
 5. In what battles was he engaged? None  6. Where did he reside when he entered the service? Andover Mass.  7. Is his statement supported by living witnesses, by documentary proof, by traditional evidence, by incidental evidence, or by the rolls? By living witnesses  8. Are the papers defective as to form or authentication? and if so, in what respect? Great 
I Certify that the foregoing statement and the answers agree with the evidence in the case above mentioned.
Richard D. Southwick  Examining Clerk.

L. W. B. I. 18408.
This Bureau can furnish the military record of only such Revolutionary soldiers as were pensioned or whose widows were pensioned for their services.
Such of the original muster and pay rolls of the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 as are now in the possession of the Government are on file in the Record and Pension Office, War Department. Original rolls and other records pertaining to service in the Revolutionary War may also be found on file in the archives of many of the original States.
DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,
BUREAU OF PENSIONS,
WASHINGTON, D. C.,
O. W. & N. DIV.
REVOLUTIONARY.
May 11, 1897.
Madam:-
Replying to your request for information concerning Zephania Frost a soldier of the Revolutionary war, you are advised that he made an application for pension on September 12, 1832, at which time he was 71 years of age and residing at Tewksbury, Mass., and his pension was allowed for nine months' actual service as a private in the Mass. troops, Revolutionary war; a part of the time he served under Capt. Webster and Col. Gerrish. He enlisted at Andover, Mass.
Very respectfully,
Commissioner.
Mrs. Emma F. Estes,
82 So. Walker St.,
Lowell, Mass.

tory 82 ell mass.
P - 18/08
INVALID.
May 11-1877-His Mrs Emma F. Ester, So. Walker St. Low
File No. 18,408
Refrainish Street Br. Rev. W. W.
Act: June 7 th 1872
Index :—Vol. 1 , Page 122
[Arrangement of 1870.]

I, Dudley Woodbridge of Andover in the County of Essex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, age seventy one years depose and say that I am a Revolutionary Pensioner, and that I served in the Massachusetts Militia two successive years with Zephaniah Frost of Tewksbury in the County of Middlesex & Commonwealth aforesaid, three months in each year,— The first of said services commenced in the fall of the year succeeding the capture of Burgoyne. — We enlisted to go to Fort Stawitz, and marched about twenty miles say Albany when we received counter orders, and returned and encamped the remainder of the term either on Hoback Islands about four miles below Albany, or in that city. — We were constantly expecting orders to proceed to New York city, but we were not ordered upon any active service. — The next term was the next year, when I was with him three months in Boston. — Throughout the term we were on guard one day and at work upon a fort then erecting on Roxbury neck. the next We spent not one idle day. — We enlisted each time for three months, and were all of both times, messmates, having been long before intimate. — Our Company the first term was commanded by Capt. Webster, and the second by Capt. John Davis. —
Dudley Woodbridge
Essex ss. Andover August 2 nd 1832. Then personally appeared Dudley Woodbridge and made solemn oath that the above statement by him subscribed is true, — before me
N. W. Hazen
Justice of the Peace.
Tewksbury August 15 th 1832
This may certify to all whom it may concern, that Zephaniah Frost of Tewksbury, County of Middlesex, Mass, is a man of a good moral character — of the strictest integrity and veracity — That I have always understood from the aged people in this place that he was a soldier in the revolutionary war — and that I have no more doubt of the fact than I have of my existence.
Jacob Goggins Pastor of the Chh n & Socy in said Tewksbury

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss.
Then the within named Jacob Loggins made oath to the truth of the within affidavit by him subscribed. I also certify that Loggins is a respectable clergyman in the town of Fruitland & entitled to full credit
John Warren Justice of the Peace
7 Facts
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss. Sept 3. 1832 Then the within named Jacob Loggins made oath to the truth of the within affidavit by him subscribed. I also certify that he is a respectable clergyman in Fruitland in said County
Joseph Brown Justice of the Peace

I Jacob Foster of Andover in the County of Essex a Commonwealth of Massachusetts aged eighty four years on oath depose and say that Zephaniah Frost of Tewksbury in the County of Middlesex and Commonwealth aforesaid, was an apprentice to me from the age of fifteen years until he was twenty one years old. - During the said apprenticeship he served three terms of three months each in the Massachusetts Militia. He was each time enlisted by me. - The first term was in the spring succeeding the Capture of Burgoyne. Troops were then required to guard the British & Hessian prisoners. He has always informed me that he was employed in guarding the Hessian prisoners. - He returned to me after each time of service, and I have known & frequently seen him from that period to the present. He went each time as a private. - I do not recollect his officers; - Each of the terms above stated were of service rendered in the army of the Revolution.
Jacob Foster
Given for Aug 2. 1832. Then personally appeared Jacob Foster sworn and made solemn oath that the above statement of his recollections is true - before me
N. W. Hazen
Justice of the Peace
I hereby certify, that I am well acquainted with the above named Nathan W. Hazen, that he had been in my office more than a year, & that I know he was duly appointed a justice of the Peace, and authorized by law to administer oaths.
John Warren
Former member of Congress from Essex North District.

Joseph Brown Esq. of Tewksbury in the County of Middlesex a commonwealth of Massachusetts testify, that I am well acquainted with Stephenick Forest of said Tewksbury by signed the annexed deposition that I believe him the seventy one years of age, that he is respected & beloved in the neighborhood where he lives. I have been a Soldier in the Revolutionary War, & I concur in that opinion
Joseph Brown
Commonwealth of Massachusetts Middlesex ss. August 20 th 1832 Then the above named Joseph Brown made oath the truth of the above affidavit by him subscribed. I also certify that he is a respectable Magistrate & entitled to full credit
John Warren Justice of the Peace

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Middlesex ss.
Personally appeared Jacob Coggins within named and made oath according to Law relative to the within September 3 A.D. 1852
Before me
Josiah Brown Justice of the Peace

11430 Sophronia Frost Private 9 Months
Alma
Hon: J. Nelson Plan

BRIEF objections to the admission of Pension Claims , of which those answered in the negative, in red ink, will apply to the claim of Stephen Frott Trebley which require further proof or explanation.
I. Does the declaration show where the applicant resides? yes II. Did the declarant make the declaration in the county where he resides? yes III. If the applicant did not make the declaration in the county where he resides, is there any reason assigned for his not doing so? IV. Has the declarant mentioned the period or periods of the war when he served? yes V. * Has he mentioned with precision the length of his service, and the different grades in which he served, in language so definite as to enable the department to determine to what amount of pension he is entitled? yes VI. Has he given the names of the officers under whom he served, in conformity with the regulations? no VII. Has he made a relinquishment of every claim to any other pension than the one under the Act of June 7, 1832? yes VIII. Has the Court given their opinion? yes IX. Has the Clerk given his certificate? yes X. Is the Clerk's seal affixed? And if so, has it a device or inscription by which it can be distinguished from any other seal? yes

XI. Has the applicant obtained the evidence of a clergyman and another respectable citizen as to their belief respecting his age and the general belief in his neighborhood relative to his revolutionary service? no XII. If the clergyman's affidavit has not been produced, is there any reason assigned for not obtaining it? no XIII. If the applicant has no documentary evidence, and has not obtained the testimony of at least one living witness, has he stated in his declaration that such proof cannot be had? XIV. † If the applicant's name is not found on the rolls of military service, has he produced a witness or witnesses as to his service? yes If he has produced direct proof as to service, has the magistrate who administered the oath, certified to the credibility of the witness or witnesses? yes Has the proper officer certified to the official character and signature of the magistrate as the regulations direct? yes XV. Does it appear from any of the papers that the witness was in such a situation, or of such an age, as to have a personal knowledge of the applicant's service? yes XVI. ‡ Are the papers authenticated as the regulations direct? yes XVII. Are the seven interrogatories prescribed by the War Department answered satisfactorily? And, if not, which of them is not so answered?
 EXPLANATORY NOTES.
* QUERE V. In a case where the applicant cannot, by reason of the loss of memory, state precisely how long he served, he should amend his declaration by making an affidavit in the following words: "Personally appeared before me, the undersigned, a Justice of the Peace, &c. A. B. who, being duly sworn, deposeth and saith, that, by reason of old age, and the consequent loss of memory, he cannot swear positively as to the precise length of his service, but according to the best of his recollection he served not less than the periods mentioned below, and in the following grades; For _____ year _____ months, and _____ days, I served as a _____ For _____ months and _____ days, I served as a _____; and for such service I claim a pension."

It is important in all cases to determine with precision the period for which each applicant served, and the particular rank he held, as the law directs the pension to be paid according to the grade of the pensioner and the length of his service. The use of the phrase about three or four months is too indefinite, and all such qualifying expressions are objectionable. Some persons who apply for pensions merely state they served two years in the militia, &c. without specifying the tours; the names of the officers, and other particulars respecting their service. This form of a declaration is highly objectionable. It must in every case be clearly shewn under what officers the applicant served; the duration of each term of engagement; the particular place or places where the service was performed; that the applicant served with an embodied corps called into service by competent authority; that he was either in the field or in garrison; and for the time during which the service was performed, he was not employed in any civil pursuit.
QUERE XIV.  Proof of Service.
In a case where the name of the applicant is not found on the records of the Department, he must prove his service by two credible witnesses, who are required to set forth in their affidavits the time of the claimants entering the service, and the time and manner of his leaving the same, as well as the regiment, company, and line to which he belonged. The magistrate who may administer the oaths must certify to the credibility of the witnesses, and the official character and signature of the magistrate must be certified by the proper officer, under his seal of office.
QUERE XVI.  Mode of authenticating papers.
In every instance where the certificate of the certifying officer who authenticates the papers is not written on the same sheet of paper which contains the affidavit, or other paper authenticated, the certificate must be attached thereto by a piece of tape or narrow ribbon, the ends of which must pass under the seal of office of the certifying officer, so as to prevent any paper from being improperly attached to the certificate.
In every case where the clerk of the court, or other certifying officer, has no public seal of office, the certificate of a member of congress, proving the official character and signature of the certifying officer, should accompany the papers.

Washington D.C. May 1 1897
...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension... ...the amount of the pension...
Dear Sir:
Washington D.C.
Commissioner of Pensions
Hon. H. C. Cabell
Washington D.C. May 1 1897

Lowell, Mass., April 26, 1897.
Hon. H. Clay Evans,
Commissioner of Pensions,
Washington D. C.
Dear Sir:
Will you kindly furnish me with a Certificate of Service of Zephaniah Frost of Massachusetts, Private in the Revolutionary Army.
He was entitled to a pension from the 4th of March, 1831, $30.00 per year; his pension papers were made out March 9, 1833, and signed by Lewis Cass, Secretary of War, examined and countersigned by J. L. Edwards, recorded by Daniel Boyd in Book D., Vol. Page 51.
Trusting this information will simplify the matter, I am,
Respectfully yours,
Mrs. Emma F. Ester,
82 So. Walker St., Lowell, Mass.